Defence challenges the expert on his experience

Expert witness is called to testify at the inquest of Duduzane Zuma and the minibus driver Jabulani Vusi Dlamini.

Johannes Strydom, an accident reconstruction expert with 36 years of experience, was called first on 12 November.

Strydom explained the difference between the ‘point’ and ‘area’ of impact of the collision.

The super-elevation in the area of impact was confirmed and this is imperative to the determination of build up of water.

Sabelo Nobangula, defence attorney for Dlamini, challenged the expertise of the expert in terms of his alleged lack of knowledge of aquaplaning or hydroplaning.

Magistrate Lalita Chetty then dismissed this complaint stating, “It is not fair to ambush Mr Zuma’s team and say “I will not accept your witness’ I will then ask that Mr Baba [State prosecutor Yusaf Baba] to continue his questioning of Mr Strydom.”

The tyre pressure and gradient were taken into consideration, owing to the fact that the Porsche’s engine is located at the back and thus, there is more pressure on the two rear tyres.

Baba suggested there would be enough space for the water to escape through the tyre funnels on a normal road, however, the road was wet the entire way and therefore the water could not escape.

Strydom then retorted,”There is a consistent change.”

Baba asked Strydom “Would you then agree that [Zuma] is a master of his own disaster?”

Strydom denied this statement arguing that a reasonable defensive driver would not know how much one should slow down in rainy weather.

Nobangula challenged Strydom and asked if he has other experiences in regards to accident reconstructions based on aquaplaning or hydroplaning.